GENERAL SANTOS CITY–Hundreds of residents availed of various services from the Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 during the regional launching of the “Pulis Natin” caravan at a shopping mall here on Wednesday afternoon.
Residents lined up at the various service desks opened by the PRO-12 and its support units at the KCC Veranza Mall’s atrium for the first-ever caravan from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“This is to bring closer to our communities the services they deserved,” said Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, Region 12 police director.
He said the “frontline services” offered include the processing of citizen’s complaints, women and children concerns, human rights concerns and cybercrime complaints.
The official said they opened desks for free legal advices and the processing of motor vehicle clearances and verification, license to own and possess firearms, firearms registration, permit-to-carry firearms outside residence and issuances under the Supervisory Office of the Security and Investigation Agencies.
Morales said they conducted recruitment for new policemen and the Special Action Force and handled issues and concerns on the Philippine National Police (PNP) retirement benefits.
The activity was supported by the National Police Commission in Region 12, PRO-12 Regional Advisory Council, local government units and local colleges.
Morales said the caravan was also part of the PNP’s efforts to make their operations and services more transparent, citing the reform made on their recruitment process.
Under the revamped recruitment system, the police official said they have eliminated the so-called “padrino” system and that applicants may now directly apply online through the PNP Online Application System.
“This eliminates corruption among our ranks and further change the (nagative) image and perception about the PNP because of the padrino system,” he said.
Morales said they are set to launch more “Pulis Natin” caravans in other parts of Region 12 in the coming weeks. -PNA
